Research reveals link between common medications and serious falls in older men

Using data from TILDA researchers from Trinity College Dublin, St James’s Hospital, Dublin and three UK Universities have discovered a significant link between serious falls causing injury in older men and a particular group of commonly used medicines. Many medicines which are commonly prescribed for older people for bladder problems, depression, psychosis, insomnia, and respiratory problems, have anti-cholinergic effects. The medications affect the brain by blocking a key chemical called acetylcholine which is involved in passing messages between nerve cells. This can lead to side effects including blurred vision, increased heart rate, sedation and confusion. Read more here.